(January 19, 2026) A phone call from the aides of a queen from a Middle Eastern nation was the last thing Dr Stuti Khare Shukla expected on an otherwise busy day. A discussion followed, and soon the renowned dermatologist was on a flight to meet the queen.
After a warm welcome, the queen — a blend of grace and beauty showed her scalp to Dr Stuti, which had visible patches of hair loss. She was suffering from trichotillomania, a condition where a person compulsively pulls out their own hair due to emotional distress. Restrictions, pressure and lack of personal freedom had taken a toll on the queen’s mental health, and hair-pulling had become an unconscious coping mechanism. Dr Stuti began treatment almost immediately. The queen’s recovery was slow but steady. Today, she remains deeply grateful.
“We treated her with the same dedication as we treat any other patient. That experience reinforced a powerful truth for me that money and power do not guarantee happiness,” says renowned skin and hair specialist Dr Stuti, in conversation with Global Indian.
Dr Stuti Khare Shukla with the winners of Femina Miss India 2024, where she partnered as the official Hair Care Expert and Jury Member for the Times Miss Photogenic sub-contest
Balance above all
Trained in the US, UK, Bangkok and Singapore, under legendary mentors including world-renowned dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi in Los Angeles, Dr Stuti, famously known as the hair growth queen of India has treated patients from 56 nationalities, including Hollywood celebrities. Back home, several Bollywood personalities and high-profile individuals regularly seek her expertise.
“Whenever they ask me for advice, I always emphasise balance. The entertainment industry is demanding, stressful and unforgiving,” says Dr Stuti, whose work is strongly driven by research and formulation science.
Long schedules, disrupted sleep cycles, emotional pressure and constant public scrutiny often manifest as hair and skin concerns. “Lifestyle management, mental health and consistency are as important as any treatment,” says the dermato-surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon.
Building Elements of Aesthetics
Ever since Dr Stuti launched Elements of Aesthetics, the growth has been rapid and organic. “Within six months even during the COVID period, we saw a 200 percent rise,” says the dermatologist, who runs clinics in Mumbai, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Jabalpur, among other locations.
From the outset, her OPD has seen over 100 patients daily. “Many refer to the clinic as a ‘temple for hair growth’ — a sentiment I receive with humility and gratitude,” says Dr Stuti, who was recently invited to IMCAS Paris to teach doctors from across the world her signature hair growth technique, known for minimal downtime and phenomenal results.
One of the most powerful aspects of her work today is that treatment is no longer limited by geography. “Through structured online protocols, patients across the world can benefit from our expertise without physical travel,” says Dr Stuti, who was honoured with the Youngest Dermatology Icon of India Award at the prestigious India Leadership Conclave by the India Affairs Group in Mumbai in 2017, for her exceptional work in dermatology practice, research and academics.
A case that defined her purpose
One particular case continues to define Dr Stuti’s purpose. A young woman once walked into her clinic carrying her four-month-old baby. She was crying uncontrollably, completely broken.
“She was going through a humiliating and painful divorce because she had lost her hair due to alopecia universalis,” recalls Dr Stuti. Her husband and in-laws had made it clear that her condition was unacceptable to them. With chilling honesty, the woman said she felt she had only two options left — regrow her hair or end her life.
“As a doctor, I have seen pain in many forms, but that moment shook me deeply. I tried to reassure her that hair does not define a person’s worth or identity. No woman should ever be reduced to her physical appearance.” Dr Stuti began treatment immediately. “Within three months, there were visible signs of regrowth. By six to seven months, her scalp had complete coverage. She looked confident, radiant and hopeful,” she recalls, adding that she advised the woman not to return to someone who abandoned her during her darkest phase. Today, the woman stands independent. She owns a successful boutique, has remarried, and is raising two children.
Roots in Jabalpur
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Dr Stuti grew up in a family that valued integrity, discipline and purpose above all else. Hard work and humility were not merely spoken values, but lived realities.
Both her parents are government employees. Her mother is a professor while her father is an executive engineer. They have been respected officers, widely known for their honesty, dignity and ethical conduct.
“Despite holding positions of authority, they remained deeply grounded, and that balance left a lasting imprint on me. I had what one would call an upper-middle-class upbringing which was comfortable, but disciplined,” she says. Nothing was ever handed to her without effort. From a young age, ambition was actively encouraged, especially by her mother. “She always told me that I should earn not just financial independence, but also name, respect and the ability to give back to society. Those words stayed with me.”
An achiever by instinct
Academically, Dr Stuti was always a high achiever. Whether it was Olympiads, competitive exams or school rankings, she consistently performed at the top. “I loved studying, but more than that, I loved understanding, especially biology and the science behind the human body.” Alongside academics, there was another side to her that was equally alive. She was deeply interested in grooming, aesthetics, wellness and presentation. “I believed and still do that beauty, confidence and self-care play an important role in how we show up in the world.”
The Miss India chapter
During her MBBS internship, Dr Stuti participated in Femina Miss India. “It wasn’t about glamour alone; it was about confidence, articulation, presence and discipline.” Unfortunately, her marriage was fixed around the same time, and due to family commitments, she had to withdraw from the competition. “While it was disappointing, I also understood that life unfolds in phases, and some paths reopen later in different ways.”
Learning abroad, thinking ahead
After completing her medical education, Dr Stuti pursued advanced training and completed her fellowship in dermatology in the United States. “Those years were transformative. They exposed me to global standards of care, cutting-edge research and an approach to aesthetics rooted deeply in science rather than superficial results.” It was during this time that she noticed a significant gap in hair-loss treatment. “At that point, the primary option offered to patients suffering from hair loss was surgical hair transplantation.”
Addressing silent suffering
Non-surgical alternatives were limited, ineffective or poorly standardised. “I saw patients, especially women, who did not opt for surgery because they were emotionally unprepared. Many were silently suffering, socially withdrawn and mentally distressed.”
Dr Stuti realised there was a serious lacuna in the system. That realisation became the foundation of her work. “I invested years in research, formulation and clinical trials to develop non-surgical hair growth booster therapies that were effective, safe and accessible.” Her focus was never just regrowth, but restoring confidence, dignity and emotional well-being.
Practising what she prescribes
As a trichologist, Dr Stuti firmly believes in practising what she preaches. “Genetically, I am blessed with good hair, but discipline plays an equally important role. I do not use chemical-based treatments on my own hair. I am extremely mindful of ingredients, nutrition and lifestyle.” Her protein intake is one gram per kilogram of body weight. She exercises regularly, maintains a balanced weight and prioritises sleep.
“I also use the same hair growth booster therapy I recommend to my patients, along with supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids and collagen.” This routine has benefited not only her, but also her husband and extended family. “Authenticity, for me, begins with personal accountability.”
Dermatology in India: challenges and promise
Dr Stuti notes that dermatological treatments are often perceived as expensive, especially in India. “One reason is that many high-quality ingredients still need to be imported.” At her clinics, her team is actively working on research-driven formulations that can be manufactured in India without compromising quality. “Our goal is to make advanced treatments more affordable and accessible to the middle class.”
She adds that Indian doctors are globally respected for their clinical expertise and adaptability. However, she believes the cosmetic industry would benefit from regulatory frameworks aligned more closely with international standards. “Simplified, transparent approval processes would empower manufacturers, doctors and consumers alike, enabling innovation without compromising safety. I remain hopeful that future policies will move in that direction.”
Expansion plans
Looking ahead, Dr Stuti’s vision extends far beyond trichology. “I believe deeply in holistic well-being — an integration of skin care, mental health and spirituality.” Elements of Aesthetics continues to expand, with an established presence in Dubai and plans underway for the US and the UK.
Where science meets spirituality
On a personal level, spirituality anchors Dr Stuti. “I practise mantra chanting, journaling and mindfulness regularly,” says the specialist, who also loves music, dance and creative expression, though time rarely allows indulgence.
Fashion remains a passion. While she could not participate years ago, she later served as a Femina Miss India jury member. “Ultimately, I am drawn equally to glamour and spirituality, science and soul. That balance defines who I am — as a doctor, a woman and a human being. And it is that balance that continues to guide my journey forward,” says Dr Stuti, firmly believing that emotional freedom, mental strength and spiritual grounding are essential.
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